Saturday played out about as expected. The game to watch this week is Thursday's Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech. If the Jackets remain undefeated -- and with the league's elite not facing difficult tests this week -- Week 6 (Oct. 5) is sizing up to be a big one for the ACC.

RISING: The Yellow Jackets' offense. Paul Johnson's group fell behind early against North Carolina and could have panicked. But that's not what Johnson's offense does. It stayed the course. Georgia Tech trailed by six until a TD with 5:52 left in the third quarter gave the Jackets a 21-20 advantage. That's when the Jackets began putting the game away. In the second half, Tech ran 43 plays for 239 yards while UNC managed just 59 yards on 18 plays. The final time of possession tally: Tech held the ball for 40:38 of the game's 60 minutes.

FALLING: Virginia Tech's offense. Logan Thomas struggled again, throwing two interceptions. The Hokies averaged just 3.8 yards per rush attempt and went nearly a full three quarters without scoring. Virginia Tech failed to score in the first two overtimes but were able to lean on its defense. With a quick turnaround this week - the Hokies play at Georgia Tech on Thursday night - coach Frank Beamer better light a fire under his offensive unit rated 107th in the nation in total offense.

BOTTOM LINE: Clemson (No. 3), FSU (No. 8) and Miami (No. 15) are the league's ranked teams. We knew they would be in these spots, but it's time to watch Georgia Tech and Maryland -- both just outside the Top 25. The Jackets rallied past North Carolina with a dominating second and face three tough tests in Virginia Tech on Thursday, followed by trips to Miami and BYU. The Terps were impressive in their 37-0 rout of West Virginia, but it's a different level Saturday when they visit FSU. Are they ready to compete at that level a season after going 4-8?